HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 cc443-4
39. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any report on the sleeping arrangements in the Northfleet tunnel shelters, which were inspected by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security on 24th October last; and what changes are to be introduced as a result of this inspection?

Mr. E. Brown

The Regional Commissioner asked the local authority for a report on one of the tunnels on 25th October, and one of his officers is discussing the matter further with the authority tomorrow. The tunnel in question is not one which has been taken over by the local authority but is in fact used by a number of people for sleeping. I will inform my hon. Friend of the action taken as soon as I learn the result of the discussion.

Sir I. Albery

In view of the fact that this Question arose out of an inspection which was made by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security and that the Question was addressed to the Home Office, may I ask my right hon. Friend why he allowed it to be transferred to his Department?

Mr. Brown

We have been pressed frequently to make the largest possible delegation of powers to the Regional Commissioners. This is a power which has been delegated to the Regional Commissioners, for whose actions in the matter I am responsible, and therefore I have to answer the Question.

Sir I. Albery

Are we to understand from that reply that there is no liaison between the Departments, and that when the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security inspects shelters no information is forwarded to his Department?

Mr. Brown

On the contrary, there is the closest consultation and co-operation and exchange of information. Whenever I note during my visits to the country any matter which affects the Ministry of Home Security I let them know, and similarly they let me know of anything affecting my side of the matter which has been brought to their attention, but the executive responsibility has been delegated to the Regional Commissioners.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Why are two Ministers doing the same job?

Mr. Brown

One Minister is concerned with the structure of the shelters and the other with the amenities, which are two different things.